Leeds get reprieve Leeds set for more sales

The players with their union- Professional Footballers' Association - met with Trevor Birch, chief executive of the cash-stricken club.

PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire said: "The players are offering some form of financial support should it be required, when all other avenues have been explored.

"There is potential for deferment of a proportion of their wages."

McGuire added: "Nothing has been agreed at this point. It is a constantly changing situation, we will keep monitoring it.

"When we know exactly what the club may need to make up the shortfall then a decision will be made.

The players are very selfish, very stupid, very badly advised - or all three John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Trust

"The players are very mindful of the need to stay in the Premiership as that would stabilise the club."

McGuire stressed that there was no possibility of the players agreeing to a wage cut - just that they would consider deferring wages.

"Players' contracts are sacrosanct," he added.

The proviso that "all other avenues" are explored has fuelled speculation that a big-name star will be sold before the end of the January transfer window.

With striker Mark Viduka - reportedly the highest earner at the club - in Australia on compassionate leave it seems likely that bids for Paul Robinson or Alan Smith will be listened to.

But the players refusal to instantly agree to a wages deferment has angered Leeds' fans and threatens to undermine what has until now been rock-solid support.

Just a few days ago they were told their wages weren't going to be affected, then they're being asked to help provide the money to keep the club going PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor

John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Trust, said: "They are very selfish, very stupid, very badly advised - or all three.

"If they are supposed to be a team and to be united then this does not show it, and as far as I'm concerned, they have missed an opportunity here.

Ray Fell, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Club, was equally scathing towards the players.

He said: "If the stories are to be believed then the fans will find it hard to understand.

"Despite the fact the club are in dire straits, the fans have given the players 100% support and it's sad the players haven't now got it in them to support the club.

In no other business would staff be paid so highly in times of crisis From Bertie Whitester Have your say on 606

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor fuelled the row by accusing Leeds chief exeucitve Trevor Birch of misleading the players.

Taylor said: "Just a few days ago they were told their wages weren't going to be affected.

"Then suddenly they are being asked to help provide the money to keep the club going.

"For Premiership players that is something they weren't expected to have to accept.

Leeds, bottom of the Premiership, need to raise �5m to appease their creditors until the end of the season when they will know what division they will be in next term.